UK seniors suspect sharing misinformation: NewsGuard study reveals concerns

Around 37% of individuals over 65 in the UK suspect they have shared false or misleading information, per YouGov data commissioned by NewsGuard, a trust rating tool. This study, done in collaboration with the UK Government’s Media Literacy Programme Fund, aims to understand the impact of misinformation on older adults and test strategies to counter prevalent myths.

Health misinformation is the top concern for this age group (36%), followed by politics and society (28%) and climate (12%). NewsGuard has identified key health myths related to dementia, cancer, and COVID-19 vaccines. About 80% of those over 65 are worried about misinformation, with the rise of AI-generated content and increased online news consumption exacerbating this issue. Among those who shared false information, 11% did so because it came from trusted sources.

The study underscores that seniors are increasingly adopting online sources while being particularly vulnerable to misinformation’s ramifications due to their voting patterns and potential isolation.

Why does it matter?

As older generations increasingly rely on the internet for news, they become exposed to the pitfalls of misinformation prevalent in online spaces. The focus on health misinformation is particularly concerning, given the potential consequences for medical treatments, vaccinations, and general well-being. Bridging the digital divide by equipping seniors with media literacy skills becomes imperative to help them navigate the rapidly advancing technological landscape, particularly in light of the influence of AI, poised to add further layers of complexity.